The International Summit for Community Wireless Networks ended with a passionate speech from Harold Feld of the Media Access Project. Harold believes now is the time for real systemic global change. The right people at the right time. First time Harold spoke at an International Summit on Community Wifi, he focused on why the conference attendees should care about what happens in DC. The second time Harold spoke he focused on reclaiming the idea that public policy is about bringing the best in human nature forward. The term Policy Hacker was coined by one of the attendees last year, a superb term for those working toward community focused tech policy.

Harold got us started thinking about the strength of the community with the statement: The difference between a movement and a mob is coordination and intent. Individuals come together to learn from each other, to make their own projects better. They quickly determine that what they do is part of a larger movement. This community does not agree with the model that only enlightened self interest will result in movement. Those working toward open media and access to technology are doing so in a cooperative fashion.

Harold finds direction from bible stories. He often tells bible stories. Today’s story is about Elijah. Elijah looked for direction from many sources. It was finally a small still voice that told Elijah what to do. We all listen to a small voice. We need the small voice. Small still voices lead to a great call.

Harold stated in no uncertain terms: Freedom and the ability to connect with each other is a human right. We are positioning ourselves around the world to say this loudly. This is not a Mercedes gap. This is a real deficiency. Is this the right time? “If not me who? If not now then when?” Easy for us to say its not the right time. If Harold thought it was not the right time he would not invest as much time as he is investing.

The results we want to achieve seem impossible (Harold called this “crushing doom”). We also have amazing success rates in individual communities (Harold called this “ego maniac”). Harold suggested we balance crushing doom and ego maniac :-)

Harold got into an important issue all nonprofits struggle with -- The need to be cooperative without being co-opted. Too often in the history of social movements, we either refuse to work with the private sector and end with sustainability issues or we do not realize what we are getting into and end up in co-opt issues where the project looses control.

Harold ended with: We are on the verge of very important things. Sometimes we will feel overwhelmed. We need to realized the rest of the movement is there to support us. We all grow individually and collectivity from being united together.

I absolutely agree with Harold. I see a lot happening in Ohio and nationally on the ground and in the policy arena within broadband expansion, digital inclusion, community media and open media. I also see these folks working together. I see them sharing information and discussing collaborations. Yes, Harold, now is the time.

 

Photo courtesy of Matt Westervelt